Police investigating reckless mobility scooter drivers in Blackheath

The issue of the speeding mobility scooters on pavements is on the Blackheath Neighbourhood Forum agenda ahead of next month’s meeting.

The complainant, who is not named, said: “Electric wheel chairs are travelling too fast and can become a health and safety concern.

“What does the law say about these?”

Councillor Barbara Price said: “Police will Investigate and provide an update at the next forum meeting.”

Last year Parliament produced a report into the dangerous driving of mobiltiy scooters after several instances of pedestrians being injured and a rise in accidents involving the vehicles.

The report urged the Department of Transport to investigate the matter further and consider stricter rules on who can drive mobility scooters.

The police will deliver the results of the investigation into the speeding mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs at Wednesday, February 8 at Central Methodist Church, Blackheath.

Anti-social behaviour across the ward will also be up for discussion at the meeting with the police dealing with several complaints.

Cllr Barbara Price said residents had complained about: “Continued problems with anti-social behaviour on Belle Vue Road with young people lobbing bricks, sitting in middle of road and intimidating residents.”

Other complaints include taxi drivers and members of the public urinating on Avenue Road and Darby Street as well as large numbers of HGV lorries using Uplands Avenue.

Other problems on Avenue Road include fly tipping, graffiti and taxi drivers and members of the public urinating on the street.

On Darby Street there have been complaints that emergency services will not be able to get down the street due to parking problems and instances of beer glasses being left in the road and litter.

Sandwell Council and local police officers have been instructed to look into each of the complaints and will report progress at the next forum meeting.